Gotta say, if $$ is really not a big obstacle, I would go for an 8 gallon SS pot, so that you can full wort boil,ie., not have to dilute afterward. 3 good reasons : 1. Better hop utilization 2. Eliminate excessive darkening of your wort 3. Better overall beer.

Are you brewing on a stove top or outdoor camp chef type burner? If out door burner I would do a google search on a 36 qt bayou classic SS pot around $70. That's what I started on. I would suggest you buy a pot that is at least this size for full boils. If you have no choice but to do partial boils on the stove top indoors they have 24 qt also. Great quality SS

Gotta say, if $$ is really not a big obstacle, I would go for an 8 gallon SS pot, so that you can full wort boil,ie., not have to dilute afterward. 3 good reasons : 1. Better hop utilization 2. Eliminate excessive darkening of your wort 3. Better overall beer.

At that point though, I would think I would be moving outside with a propane range. Not an issue, just getting clarity.

Cool. To start get a cheap digital thermometer. They are easy to read and are accurate. I paid $6 on eBay for mine. You can get a hydrometer at the big online brew suppliers if you don't have a local home brew supplier. Support your local HBS guys if you can. Same with the pot.

I use a camp chef explorer and love it. I paid $120 for that plus however much for the 20 pound tank. One tank will last me over four brew days.

The best thing to do next is read section one of How to Brew. Its free online at howtobrew.com